Top Tejano singer LAURA CANALES has died in hospital in Texas following
complications from a gall bladder operation. She was 50.

Canales was hospitalised last month (MAR05) after doctors discovered she
was suffering from pneumonia among other conditions following her operation.

Among those paying tribute to Canales, Tejano Roots Hall of Fame chief
JAVIER VILLANUEVA said, "Her voice knocked me off my feet. Every time there was
a dance going on, Laura was known for just walking up to the stage and asking
if she could
sing a song. She just always had the love for it."

Canales started her career as a singer for LOS UNICOS Y EL CONJUNTO BERNAL
(corr) but went solo upon that group's split.